A platformer or platform game is a popular video game genre characterized by jumping to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles. Most of the characters can perform actions similar to those possible in real life, such as jumping, rolling, walking, etc.[1] Platformers often have themes. For example, a popular platformer called "Don't Look Back" does not allow the player to move backwards. Many Scratchers have difficulty creating realistic platformers due to the complex mathematical programming and trigonometry involved.[2]

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Elements of Platformers

Colors

A typical platformer uses colors to make programming easier. There are usually colors that the player is supposed to avoid. A popular color to avoid is red.[3][4] Colors can also be used for other items that affect the player, such as an extra bounce or being shrunk.

Control

Due to the need to move in a platformer, one must assign keys to the different directions. Popular keys to use are the WASD keys (W for up, A for left, S for down, and D for right) or the arrow keys (↑ for up, ↓ for down, → for right, and ← for left).

Scrolling Platformers

Platformers can have scrolling for the smooth transition between locations as if the camera is following the player. This implies that the terrain/map you are playing on would move to create space for more terrain. This means that the charactar sprite is always in one place of the screen. This is really useful as it can allow the creator to increase the level size, thus can give the user a more enjoyable time. However, this requires lots of testing and many costumes that have to fit together perfectly.

Static Platformers

Platformer levels can also be non-scrolling. The action of contacting the edge of the screen or reaching a goal triggers a transition to the next location. Static Platformers may be easier to code for some users due to their lack of a requirement for additional code to create the scrolling effect.